Last Week: 5-1 Overall: 65-21
Clemson vs. Wake Forest
Once again, the national spotlight is on the ACC on Thursday night, but this matchup isn't what you would normally expect for a Thursday night. Clemson is chugging along at 6-2, while Wake Forest is 2-6, and a loss here will eliminate them from bowl eligibility. On the plus side, it is good exposure for the Deacs to have a game in this setting. Clemson has the number one defense in the ACC, and Wake Forest is ranked last in offense. The best part of Wake's offense is the passing game, but that is what Clemson is best at defensively. Wake is going to have a really hard time moving the ball on offense. The only question here is whether or not Deshaun Watson plays. If I'm Dabo Swinney, I sit him one more game, and let Cole Stoudt handle the offense here. This should be an easy win for Clemson. Clemson 27, Wake Forest 6
Duke vs. Syracuse
Guess what? Once again, Duke controls its own destiny in the ACC Coastal division. They are 7-1, and are facing a Syracuse team that struggles to move the ball on offense. Only Wake Forest is worse than the Orange on offense. But Duke's defense can be beat. After last week's outing in which they allowed almost 600 yards to Pitt, the Blue Devils are now next to last defensively in the ACC. Don't be surprised if Syracuse's rushing attack gets something done here, but I think the Orange will struggle to throw the ball, especially with the news that the Orange will be starting their thrid string quarterback. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils will be able to get their offense going with the usual Anthony Boone to Jamison Crowder throws, and it will set up what is quietly a good rushing offense. Duke wins on the road. Duke 31, Syracuse 16
Georgia Tech vs. NC State
For the first time under Dave Doeren, NC State has a winning streak in ACC play. But the test is really stiff this week. The Wolfpack's defense allows 170 yards per game on the ground, and they are facing the top rushing attack in the ACC, and one of the best in the country in Georgia Tech, which rushes for nearly 320 yards per game on the ground. It'll be difficult for the Wolfpack to stop the Yellow Jackets rushing attack. However, the Yellow Jackets defense isn't very good either. They are 12th in the ACC defensively. If NC State can establish the running game, and keep the ball in their hands, then they can have a chance. But I don't think they are capable of doing that. Look for this game to be close for a half, with Georgia Tech ultimately pulling away. Georgia Tech 34, NC State 20
Virginia vs. Florida State
As I mentioned in my rankings earlier this week, it feels like the wheels are starting to fall off in Charlottesville. Mike London has gone from possible ACC Coach of the year candidate to the hottest seat in the ACC in a matter of a couple of weeks. Winning here would change all of that. But they're facing the second ranked team in the country on their home turf. Oddly enough, Virginia won the last meeting between these two schools back in 2011. That is their only win in Tallahassee ever. Since these two first started playing each other in 1992, Virginia has scored more than 20 points once when they've met in Tallahassee. They're not scoring 20 here. Expect Jameis Winston and crew to come flying out of the gate, and wrap this up easily. Florida State 41, Virginia 17
Louisville vs. Boston College
This is by far the most intriguing game of the week to me. Despite all of the praise Louisville has gotten recently, Boston College actually has a better conference record. And they have the third ranked defense in the ACC too. They also have a pretty strong running attack, led by quarterback Tyler Murphy, who only needs 35 yards for 1000. But Louisville's offense is slowly gotten healthier and better, and they are getting in to a bit of a rhythm. They played pretty well for the majority of the Florida State game last week, but this is a much better defense. I think Boston College pulls off a minor upset here. Boston College 24, Louisville 21
